When prescribed for acne, healthcare providers usually recommend taking it for about three to four months.
It can also be used to treat mild inflammatory acne that isnt getting better with other treatments.
How long does it take for doxycycline to work on acne?
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Dosage and How to Use
You’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider to take doxycycline.
Doses vary from as low as 40 milligrams (mg) once daily to 100 mg twice daily.
Doxycycline is typically prescribed alongsidetopical retinoidsandbenzoyl peroxide.
As doxycycline treats the underlying infection, the other drugs inhibit processes that contribute to pimples.
Youll then stay on topical treatments long-term to keep breakouts away.
Who Should Not Take Doxycycline
Doxycycline may not be suitable for certain people.
Side Effects
Doxycycline can causeside effects.
While most are relatively mild and manageable, some people may experience profound or intolerable symptoms.
The most common side effects are upset stomach, light sensitivity, and esophageal pain.
Wait at least an hour before drinking or eating any dairy product.
Dairy may alsocauseacne because of hormones in milk products.
One theory is that dairy foods increase inflammation in the body, leading to worse breakouts.
Esophagus Pain
Doxycycline can irritate youresophagus(the tube connecting your throat to your stomach).
This can not only make it harder to swallow but also triggeracid refluxandheartburn.
Sensitivity to Sunlight
Doxycycline can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, referred to asphotosensitivity.
Symptoms include a skin rash, itching, and redness as well as an increased risk of sunburn.
If prescribed doxycycline, always use sunscreen and reapply it often when spending time outdoors.
You should also protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Can doxycycline make you fat?
It’s possible that doxycycline can cause weight gain with long-term use.
However, more research is needed.
Can doxycycline make acne worse?
Interactions
Doxycycline can interact with many drugs and supplements and affect how they work.
Other drugs may need to be substituted or require a dose adjustment.
Let your healthcare provider know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take.
This can help reduce the risk of a drug interaction.
Cost
The price of doxycycline can vary depending on the pharmacy and your health insurance.
A 100-mg doxycycline generic typically costs between $8 and $13 for 20 capsules.
It is typically used in combination with other topical acne treatments.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and changes in skin or nail color.
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